Cost

• According to DrivewayTips.com, professional installation of concrete cost $3 to $12 per square foot in 2007, while asphalt cost between $1 and $6 per square foot.
  
  

Installation

• Installation costs for concrete and asphalt surface projects are roughly equal. Some do-it-yourselfers may opt to install a concrete or asphalt surface on their own, to save more money.
  
  

Sealant

• The cost of sealant also affects concrete and asphalt surfaces, as each requires periodic sealing to prevent premature deterioration. DrivewayTips.com recommends a semi-annual seal coat for either surface.
  
  

Maintenance

• Repairing cracks that form in concrete is more expensive than repairing asphalt cracks. However, according the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota, concrete maintenance costs the consumer 19 percent less over time, compared to asphalt. Both surfaces are relatively easy and inexpensive to clean with simple, non-abrasive cleaners that rinse away with water.
  
  

Lifespan

• Before committing to a costly installation project, consider its lifespan. DrivewayTips.com says concrete surfaces last much longer than asphalt surfaces--between 30 and 50 years, compared to asphalt's estimated 10 to 30-year lifespan.